{"id":4882,"date":"2017-01-10T13:26:43","date_gmt":"2017-01-10T18:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/?page_id=4882"},"modified":"2025-11-13T11:00:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T16:00:04","slug":"acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/epidemiology\/epidemiology\/epidemiology-fact-sheets\/acute-flaccid-myelitis-afm\/","title":{"rendered":"Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What is AFM?<\/h2>\n

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is an uncommon but serious condition that affects the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord. Most patients experience sudden onset of limb (arm and leg) weakness. AFM can be caused by viruses, including enteroviruses. AFM can also be caused by other viruses, including flaviviruses (West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus), herpesviruses, and adenoviruses. Most patients with AFM have a mild respiratory illness or fever before their limbs are affected. Other potential causes of AFM are still being explored.<\/p>\n

Who gets AFM?<\/h2>\n

Anyone of any age can get AFM, but it is more commonly reported in young children.<\/p>\n

How is AFM spread?<\/h2>\n

AFM is not spread from person to person. The viruses that are believed to cause AFM may be contagious from one person to another or may be spread by a mosquito or other vector.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of AFM?<\/h2>\n

Most patients will have sudden onset of limb weakness and loss of muscle tone and reflexes. In addition, some patients will experience:<\/p>\n